Christine Haapala Oosdyke
November 29, 1953 – January 1, 2023
Christine Anne Haapala Oosdyke entered into eternal life on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Beloved wife of Robert (Bob) Oosdyke. Cherished mother of Lauren (Levi) Storms and Brett Oosdyke. Dear sister of Bill (Nancy) Haapala, Therese (Derek) Marshall, the late Robert Haapala, Eric (Debby) Haapala, Steven (Debbie) Haapala, John (Peggy) Haapala, and Margaret (Michael) Kurpiers. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and will be an angel-grandmother to her first grandchild, a boy, who will bring comfort to her family when he is born this month.
Christine was born November 29, 1953 in Joplin, Missouri, where she had a wonderful childhood with her many siblings. In 1958, the family moved to Michigan, where Chris attended Precious Blood Grade School and Our Lady of Mercy High School. She went to college at Michigan Technological University and graduated from St. Joseph School of Nursing, MI in 1973. She worked in critical care and burn units at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI and Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. While living in Grand Rapids, Chris met Bob, and they enjoyed many summer weekends at the marina and sailing up the coast of lower Michigan on Bob’s boat, Big-O.
In 1983, Chris joined Support Systems International (Hillrom) as a sales rep and moved to Chicago, where Bob had accepted a job with Herman Miller. Chris and Bob married in 1985 and eventually made their home in Southern California. Chris rose to stellar heights in her sales director career, yet she remained humble and graciously mentored others along the way.
Chris was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, sister, and daughter. She truly enjoyed family time together, whether it be vacationing in Hawaii, skiing in Colorado, or watching Lauren and Brett play basketball. She often traveled to Michigan to spend time with her large extended family. And she was a loyal friend to many.
Chris loved working out and organizing anything and everything. She had a wonderful sense of style and loved shopping for clothes and household décor. She loved a great Nordstrom fashion find, a good Starbucks latte, and all things chocolate.
Christine’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 7 at 10:00 am at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church, 22082 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are suggested to Wendy Walk Foundation
(https://www.wendywalk.org) in support of sarcoma research.
7 Comments
Our thoughts and prayers are with Christines family and loved ones…..We are so sorry for your loss….. Prayers up and blessings down…. Lynn and Steve Bartock
Oh Chris, I have such great memories of us volunteering together at Serra when the kids were Little ! So much fun and joy to watch them grow! You are the best mom ! I remember when you wanted to learn to roller blade! I told you how Crazy I thought that was! Didn’t work out so well ! Poor thing! Your kids are stellar human beings and I cherish my relationship with Lauren over the years ! She’s an amazing woman and will be the best mother too! Got it from her mama! Bob, Lauren , Brett our prayers are with you and my heart is broken for you ! The ODonoghue family will always be here for you ! God Bless you all!
Kim
I met Chris a year ago at wedding shower for Lauren who was to marry Levi Storms, my grandson. We were both nurses so hit it off and shared stories.
She was a lovely person and I was looking forward to sharing our families.
Levi and Lauren had a beautiful wedding in Sept 1922. Who would of thought that we did not have a chance to grow our friendship.
I belief her Spirit is close by and will be at the birth of her Grandson to whisper in his ear, I Love You,
My deep condolences to the family.
Joanne Storms Nolles
We will make a prayer in my home for the eternal rest of Christine, I hope that you find prompt resignation for your sensitive loss
You were loved in life and will always be in my heart. Miss you my dear friend. My sincere condolences to the family on this heart breaking loss. Praying for you all.
Our thought and prayers to Christine’s family and loved ones. She will be with you in spirit. May she rest in peace. ✝️
❤️🙏
Aunt Carol and Howard
Oh Chris, where do I begin!? You were such a dear BFF and taught me so much about humility and grace. We clicked immediately when we both showed up at the “Bell Service Center” as SSI employees in April of 1985. You were a new manager and I was a new sales person. We shared so many fun memories (scuba diving, Marco Island)and trials together! You got me through the tough times and I hope I got you through a few too 😘. We shared our pregnancies together (you were my backup LaMaze coach), and raising our beautiful daughters together, as well as our boys! You have always been a mentor, confidante and amazing friend to me. I will miss you beyond whatever I can express. I love you and will miss our Cheesecake lunches and our Nordstrom shopping expeditions. I already am chatting with you from above and will continue to do so ❤️. Love you forever and always.